Disney trivia question: Besides all being Disney productions, what do Mary Poppins, The Mickey Mouse Club, Davy Crockett, The Shaggy Dog, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and The Love Bug all have in common? Answer: They were all produced by Disney Legend Bill Walsh who started with Disney on this day in 1943. Although he started as a writer for the Mickey Mouse comic strip, he went on to become one of the most successful producers in entertainment history. In addition to the wildly successful Disney movies and television series, Walsh is particularly important in Disney’s history since Walt Disney personally selected him to produce the very first Disney television show, One Hour in Wonderland. Although it was primarily a promo for the upcoming Alice in Wonderland release, it is an entertaining hour featuring special guests such as Edgar Bergen, Hans Conried, Walt’s daughters Diane and Sharon, and Alice’s “voice,” Kathryn Beaumont, who recently recalled a memorable lesson from Walsh. “He accompanied my mother and me as Disney representative on the Queen Mary voyage to England for the Alice promotion (including premiere). He was easy to be around, was quiet but had a nice sense of humor. During the voyage I was asked to do a small presentation. Not having a particular musical or dancing skill to present, I had memorized a letter about a child losing a pet dog, Pal, for such occasions. Upon introduction, and being somewhat nervous about performing for this esteemed group, I dove right into my piece. Upon returning to my seat, Bill complimented me graciously and then added something that has stayed with me forever. I can’t remember verbatim, but the gist was that it’s important to identify your topic to the audience when you begin. As a 12 year old, I really had no idea until that absolutely breakthrough moment of the concept of introducing your topic and providing background. I have never forgotten that moment, nor him for so kindly and positively helping me.”
